The VPM Spartans returned to Wausau East HS for the 66th annual Smiley Invitational. At this team, our team gets to see some teams from the northern half of the state and enjoyed the opportunity to compete on cross country course that keeps every runner honest. It was a balmy sunny day but the boys were up for the challenge. The varsity started off the fun as they finished 6th overall out of 22 teams and 4th in the large school divisions. The JV finished off the day grinding out a 5th place finish in the last competition of the day. Our team continues to improve with each opportunity and we look forward to the second half of the season. Keep taking caring of yourself so we can finish the season strong.
The varsity race got out at a quick pace and our team responded better today to that first mile. We set up ourselves well to compete in the race. AJ took advantage of the quick start to run a season best time of 16:56 and earned a 9th place finish. Alvaro just missed his lifetime PR and ran great to 18:11 finishing 34th. Jack G was a nice welcome back to the line up and ran 18:38 for 43rd. We need to close up our scoring five to run with this group and we will continue to look at improving upon that in the coming weeks. Today, Alex B stepped up to be our #4 runner finishing in 19:04. While Finn crossed the line next in 77th place and Aatman was close behind in his first varsity race finishing 81st. Our team got to see some Sectional & Conference foes like DeForest, Waunakee, & Sun Prairie West. It was nice to beat 16 teams today and we look to continue to build on this success.
JV ran to a 5th place finish led by a top 15 finish from Max S as he ran a lifetime best of 19:07. It was great to see him stick his nose in the front of the race and keep competing to this awesome finish. Jamie & Cole were our next finishers just over 20:00. Jack C was sub 21 as Peter & PJ were just over 21 minutes. Will T rounded out our top 7 with a strong finish. Owen B and Will H were close behind and Levi and Nathan had a great first run at the Smiley Invite. Lots of season bests were run on a challenging course and these guys keep working hard at practice...fast times await the second half of the season.
RESULTS
Varsity Overall
Varsity Large Schools
JV Overall
NEXT COMPETITION
Saturday September 24th
Midwest Invitational @ Blackhawk Golf Course in Janesville, WI (Course)
Bus - 6:45am
9:00am - First Race
9:35am - Blue JV Race (sub 20:30) (2021 Results)
10:45am - Varsity Race (2021 Results)
12:00pm - White JV Race (2021 Results)
12:40pm - 4th - 8th Grade 1 mile Race **
Awards - Varsity = top 40 individuals & 3 teams, JV (both Blue & White) - top 30 individuals
*We will stop for food on the way home...bring $ or pack a lunch!*
Approximate return to JMM is 3:30pm
** 4th-8th graders who are siblings/friends of Memorial Athletes or attend Memorial feeder schools can compete in the 1 mile cross country race at 12:40pm representing JMM...to be entered in the race, parents/coaches must contact Coach Casey (crhopp@hotmail.com) by Wed 9/21 before 6:00pm with athletes Name, Gender, Grade in school...(NO cost)...it is the responsibility of each family to provide transportation for their 4th - 8th grade athlete(s) to and from the meet and provide their own race day attire...timing bibs will need to be picked up the day of the race by 12:25pm in our team camp area.
*** NEW THIS YEAR...Janesville is charging an entry fee for spectators. Adults = $5 Kids/Senior Citizens = $3 Under 6 years old = free...CASH ONLY
Plan time for parking, walking to course, & paying admission!!
NEWS & NOTES
Monday practice --> 2:45 - 5:15pm
Still waiting on clothing order #2 & bucket hats...crossing our fingers
We are getting healthier as a team...keep up the good work on stretching, strengthening, & icing!
Great work with attendance in school & grades in classes...if you have issues or concerns, let us know. Otherwise, keep up the great job in the classroom.
See note above about spectator fee at Midwest Invite
